MSE News: RBS and Natwest customers in Santander switch alert

fozzeh

chambta wrote: »

I work in RBS in England and I've transferred my account to one of the retained branches. One reason amongst a few is I like and am confident with the digital banking service. From experience Santander's online offering is far inferior.

UK retained RBS branches?

I've been with RBS for 14 years now since I got an account when I was 11. I've had one problem (when I swapped my account over to a student and wanted an overdraft and charges were applied) but that was sorted no quibbles in 3 days.
If I ever need to speak to someone, I'd always ring the branch (Grimsby) where it was opened and they're always happy to help. The one where I visit now (Leeds) to pay in is always helpful too. And the online banking is by far my favourite. So, so easy to use and very secure.

I have 2 Natwest accounts so may defect there...or north of the border. Just tried that 0800 number and the girl wasn't very helpful...said that everything would be gone for all English RBS customers, even when asking account staying with RBS/changing branches/online changes. Must be having a sad day.

profscooter

Well in the twenty-odd years since I last lived anywhere near my RBS branch I can't remember ever having had cause to go there or even having spoken to them on the phone, it's all done over the net these days. But, a couple of times I had a large cheque to pay in which the local NatWest wouldn't handle so I had to go to the nearest RBS with it, which is in Taunton, about half an hour's drive away, but those are the only occasions when I needed "an" RBS branch but it didn't have to be "my" branch. And I think that's the crux of it, Taunton's RBS will presumably become an Abbey, so will be no use to me if I move my account to within the RBS Scottish area. If my nearest physical RBS branch is now going to be Gretna Green that doesn't sound very practical. Whilst I am happy with the RBS online banking system I know that NatWest's system is virtually identical, so I am coming round to the idea of Natwest's like-for-like offer - yes there will be bit of hassle setting up a new internet banking account with NatWest - but as Heng Leng says I will then also have full branch access on my doorstep.

littlecyberchick

It appears the offset mortgage account is not part of the sale. I have just checked the sort code for my offset mortgage account (VirginOne account - now RBS - sort code 16 60 51) on the website, and it's not part of the deal. Thank goodness!! :T

thecasementkid

MrOrchard wrote: »

Christ, who would want to bank with Santander? I really hope I'm not included in this.

Does this affect people with a "One Account" which is an RBS bank account based in Norwich?

Xchicane

I wouldn't trust Santander as far as I could jump they're incompetent at best.

Bit sneaky that if you do nothing it gets transferred to Santander?

Why not to Natwest or RBS according to your location, do they want to lose the business ?

jackarmy

I use my VOA as a current account even though I switced my Mortgage to another provider after the interest rate saga. The internet account is one of the best the staff at Norwich treat me with respect the only down side is that the account must always remain in credit if detached from a mortgage.
I also had an RBS account for over 20 years so 'Chwarae Teg' to them as a Bank.

Now Satander thats another story

pmduk

Xchicane wrote: »

Why not to Natwest or RBS according to your location, do they want to lose the business ?

This isn't a decision made by RBS, but forced on them by the EU as result of receiving Government support last year.

Lloyds TSB will go through a similar process next year.

Hopefully the regulators will not permit Santander to acquire any more banks to limit their growing dominance in the market.

System

No, it doesn't affect One Account, Drummonds or Holt's Military Banking.

It's basically the former Williams & Glyn's Bank branches in England and Wales, coupled with a handful of NatWest branches in Scotland.

There is a sort code checker here which works for both RBS/NatWest.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if (after the sale/transfer) the NatWest branches aren't rebranded RBS in a similar fashion that HSBC did to Midland.

thecasementkid wrote: »

Does this affect people with a "One Account" which is an RBS bank account based in Norwich?

profscooter

Yes if that happened it would be quite bizarre for me if I transfer to the Natwest in the village now and it subsequently becomes rebranded as an RBS

walesrob

Interesting conversation with NatWest staff member yesterday about the impending England and Wales RBS branch sale to Santander; she claimed only the RBS bank buildings are being sold, but the accounts are staying with RBS? That can't be right, and a look up on the branch sale facility provided on the RBS site confirms Swansea branch will be sold to Santander along with all business and personal accounts.